look someone in the face

Idioms and Phrases

Also, look someone in the eye . Face someone directly and forthrightly. These expressions imply honesty—or at least the appearance of honesty—in what is said, as in Can you look me in the face and tell me you don't want that prize? or John looked me in the eye and told me he didn't break the window . The first term was first recorded in 1566, the variant in 1931. Also see stare in the face .